Is the Lakewood Theater a historic landmark? Let the City Council know what you think

Lakewood residents with strong opinions about the future of the Lakewood Theater should try to make it to this week’s City Council meeting. The council is taking public comments to help decided if the theater should become a protected landmark at Wednesday’s 9 a.m. meeting.

In July the city Plan Commission unanimously approved plans that would make the theater a landmark. That vote was the last step needed before the council gets its say.

If you want to speak at the meeting you can sign in when you attend, or call 214.670.3738.

What would Landmark status mean for the long-vacant theater? The original tower that defines the skyline in Lakewood would be forever protected, as would the historic murals painted by artist Perry Nichols, a 1929 Woodrow Wilson grad and a member of the famed “Dallas Nine.” But the building itself could see any number of changes.

Owners Craig Kinney and Bill Willingham, who purchased the circa 1938 structure in 2007, have found an ally in Hollywood-Santa Monica neighbor and preservation architect Norman Alston, who is keeping an eye on the history while also helping to bring business into the vacant halls. Alston discovered that the Lakewood’s outer walls perfectly matched the South Dallas Forest Theater, built by the same company in 1948, which was later expanded to include additional retail space.

Kinney has previously said he plans to carve out spaces in the theater, which could be operated by restaurants or other businesses. And, because providing parking was not a requirement for theaters in the 1930s, city staff determined additional parking would not be needed.

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